Unpacking social entrepreneurial orientation: trends, themes and future pathways

Purpose This study aims to systematically review the development of Social Entrepreneurial Orientation (SEO) within the broader field of social entrepreneurship. Out of 970 collected articles, 117 relevant papers were selected for in-depth analysis. Design/methodology/approach Using a Systematic Literature Review combined with bibliometric and thematic content analyses, this study maps publication trends, journal quality, methodological approaches and key research areas. Through bibliometric mapping and thematic visualization, this study identifies core research streams, emerging trends and research gaps in SEO literature. Findings The analysis identifies five primary research streams: SEO as a driver of firm performance and sustainability, the relationship between SEO and organizational performance dimensions, the role of innovation in social entrepreneurship, the contribution of entrepreneurship and management practices to social innovation and the integration of strategic orientations to enhance performance. Building on these findings, this study proposes four key areas for future research: refining the conceptualization and measurement of SEO; exploring the link between SEO, social innovation and sustainability, investigating the role of digital transformation in social entrepreneurship; and examining mediation and moderation mechanisms in the SEO–performance relationship. Originality/value This study offers a clear and comprehensive overview of SEO research, providing valuable insights into its theoretical evolution and practical relevance. By systematically synthesizing the current literature and identifying research gaps, this study contributes to guiding future research and supporting the development of more robust SEO frameworks applicable across diverse social entrepreneurship contexts.